A Backsplash Made From Broken Pottery & Plates

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A tile backsplash is costly, and getting the pieces evenly in place can be challenging. But one made from broken plates and pottery can be original, interesting, relatively inexpensive and easier to create. Options for collecting, designing and installing such a backsplash vary.

Broken Parts Club

Start a collection of irreparably broken plates and pottery rather than throwing them out -- ask co-workers, friends and family to do the same to speed up the process. Or instead, collect inexpensive dishes and pottery -- that you will not feel bad about breaking -- in colors that work with your space.

Roughing It

A smooth surface is not going to “grab” the tile mastic or adhesive. Sand the backsplash area to slightly roughen or abrade smooth paneling or painted walls. Sanding helps remove any built-up grease or grime, which also hinders application. Use a damp cloth to wipe off the sanding dust.

Temporary Template

Cut pieces of poster paper to fit the area where your backsplash will go. Lay out the paper “backsplash” on the floor, tape it together along the seams, and begin to lay out or dry-fit your plate-and-pottery design. Use a tile cutter to cut the pieces to the size and shape you desire -- wear protective work gloves and safety glasses to avoid an injury. For a mosaic, cut 1-inch squares; arrange pottery squares to create an abstract “trail” or “river” running through a “sea” or “field” of stoneware or china squares, if you like. Or “sculpt” a figurative design -- of pottery trees, birds or flowers, and a porcelain background, for example. To break the materials safely, put them into a durable burlap bag, hold the bag closed, and hit the bagged contents with a hammer -- wear safety glasses and work gloves for good measure. For an over-the-stove backsplash, you may want to create a focal-point design or something related to but more substantial than the rest of the backsplash. No matter what type of design you choose, arrange the template pieces leaving about 1/2 inch in between to account for grouting.

Moving On Up

Transfer your design to the wall in small sections to ensure fit. Starting at one end of the backsplash, apply tile mastic to about a 1-foot-square area, using a grooved trowel to cover the wall surface evenly -- the smaller the broken bits, the smaller the trowel's grooves. Press the corresponding pieces into the adhesive, and then repeat the process with the adjoining 1-foot-square area. Leave a 1/4-inch gap between the counter and backsplash for a bead of caulking. Allow the tile adhesive to set for 24 hours or the length of time suggested on the label.

Grouting Between the Lines

Grout fills the spaces between the backsplash pieces. Wipe on or spread the grout over the broken bits using a rubber grout float. Allow the grout to dry for 20 minutes or the suggested time on the label. Use a damp cloth to wash off the powdery residue.

About the Author

Lorna Hordos is a home-flipping business owner and freelance writer. She writes friendly, conversational business, home and lifestyle articles for Daltile, Marazzi, Lowes, Philips Lighting, WordPress.com and numerous other publications.